New Zealand won their third consecutive tournament in the 2007/8 Sevens World Series when they snatched a 22-17 win over Samoa in Wellington.

The scores were tied 17-17 going into the last minute when Victor Vito crossed the line. The win stretches the Kiwis’ lead in the Series to 24 points ahead of Fiji and another four ahead of third-placed South Africa.

The Bok Sevens overcame the disappointment of the Cup quarter-final loss to Tonga to emerge winners in the Plate final. South Africa beat Wales 19-12, and a second-half fightback from the Welsh wasn’t enough to deny Paul Treu’s charges who gained eight log points with the victory.

In the other divisions, England beat Argentina 12-7 to win the Bowl, while USA edged Kenya 22-17 to take the shield. The Americans scored all their points in the second half, overcoming a 17-point deficit to run out unlikely winners.